Join GM LiveChat to talk green

Want to influence GM's direction? Join their conversations. The GMNext
website is an intriguing and proactive effort by America's largest car
company to engage its stakeholders. Using interactive media, GM is
engaging in conversation with us.

On Thursday, Feb 21 from 1-2pm EST,
Wes Bolsen, VP at Coskata hosted a live chat on the company's
partnership with GM. Coskata plans to produce ethanol for under $1
(US) from any carbon-based material. GM is working with Coskata to
produce the next generation of biofuels - without using a food source -
making ethanol economically viable and commercially available. This
chat is part of a series of environmental discussions on GMnext.com. Transcripts of the chat are now available, or if you prefer the podcast version, look here.

So far, the GMnext
Virtual Media Forum conversations have explored topics related to car
design, car technology, green topics, R&D ideas, as well as the
company's global reach. Past topics under the green banner have
included:

Vehicle Emissions Issues by Bob Babik, Director

Powertrain Systems Research Laboratory, by Gary Smyth, Director, GM Research and Development

GM Green Initiatives in China, by David Chen, General Manager, GM Beijing Operations

Seems like a pretty interesting
forum to ask your burning questions directly to GM management and to
interact with other people similarly interested in influencing
particular areas of GM products.

Another interesting area within GMNext is the Thought
section, a bulletin board of conversations between GM managers and
regular folks on the internet. I thought some of the topics seem
pretty sassy, raising the sincerity of this website up a notch for me.
These are actual topics on the forum, started by GM managers.

Does GM “greenwash” its image?

How should GM best address global energy issues we'll face for the next 100 years?

I can't believe my eyes... now that's the way to start
a true cultural change. If I find some spare time after all the school
projects and homework, I am gonna surf this site more. Seems like a
treasure trove of conversations. Way to go, GM.

If you are a history buff though, the Wiki
section might interest you. It touts itself as "GM corporate history
written not only by historians, but by people like you who helped make
the history." On this online "digital scrapbook", you can share your
personal stories, factual information, photos and videos. This
interactive Web 2.0 site is pretty impressive. Surf it and share your
comments with us!